This summer, I think compliance buyouts will be more focused on guys who can't play anymore and guys who just suck. I believe we'll see the "skill" guys bought out next year, when a decision absolutely has to be made one way or another. Guys like Lecavalier, Richards and Bourque will likely be given this season to prove one way or another if they're worth their contracts. That's just the way I feel about it - if it were up to me, most of those type of contracts would've never been signed.

Boston Bruins

Marc Savard - $4.03 million cap hit through 2016-2017 Season

Savard hasn't played a game for the Bruins since the 2010-2011 season and now that he's 35 it's unlikely he'll ever return to the NHL with his concussion history. As it is right now, Savard is simply holding a contract spot on the 50-man roster since his cap hit is cushioned by his LTIR status. He currently has $7.75 million left to be paid out on his contract, so the money seasons are over.

Buffalo Sabres

Ville Leino - $4.5 million cap hit through 2016-2017 Season

This is one of the worst contracts in the NHL, bar none and it has been since the day it was signed. Leino parlayed one 53 point season (81GP) supported by Claude Giroux into a huge contract from the Sabres - 6 years and $27 million. Thus far, $12 million of that has been paid out, $9 million of it in signing bonuses. Leino has had close to zero success other than that one season in the NHL, scoring at a .35PPG pace in non-Giroux seasons. Since arriving in Buffalo, Leino has scored 31 points in 79 games. He's also injury-prone (8GP last season) and his underlying numbers have been middling his entire career.

Cody McCormick - $1.2 million cap hit through 2013-2014 Season

McCormick, at best, is barely an NHLer, taking up a contract spot and burning cash. He only scored 11 points in 25 games the AHL level this year after scoring 4 points in 50 games for the Sabres in 2011-2012. At 30 years old, his NHL career is likely over barring some GM taking a risk.

Florida Panthers

Scottie Upshall - $3.5 million cap hit through 2014-2015 Season

Upshall was signed after a 34-point season, so it's unlikely Dale Tallon had any thoughts that he'd be an "offensive" contributor. Even so, the 10 points he's put up in Florida since signing there suggests to me that his tenure in Sunrise may be ending. Add to that his less-than-stellar underlying numbers and the Panthers' need for a top-9 roster spot and I don't see a way he isn't a UFA come July 5th.

Montreal Canadiens

Tomas Kaberle - $4.5 million cap hit through 2013-2014 Season

Played 10 games this year and hasn't been effective in any capacity since leaving Toronto. The Hurricanes were insane to sign him to this contract, and everyone knew that at the time.

New Jersey Devils

Bryce Salvador - $3.17 million cap hit through 2014-2015 Season

Three things work against Salvador: his age (37), the Devils' depth on defense (6 defenseman including Salvador already under contract with Zidlicky to sign) and his lack of offensive production (11 points in his last 121 GP). His underlying numbers weren't exactly stellar this season, either. He's also on a 35+ contract, which means if he decides to retire before he could be bought out next summer (a real possibility) the Devils would be stuck with his cap hit in 2014-2015.

New York Islanders

Rick DiPietro - $4.5 million cap hit through 2020-2021 Season

DiPietro appears finished in New York. He can't stay on the ice, and 31 year olds with more surgeries under their belts than...well, he's had a lot of surgeries. The Isles haven't proven shy with buying out long-term deals before, either. Alexei Yashin is still being bloody paid by the Isles and will continue to be until June 30th, 2015. DiPietro doesn't have the stats to suggest he'd be able to make a miraculous comeback, either.

Philadelphia Flyers

Danny Briere - $6 million cap hit through 2014-2015 Season

Briere will be 36 by the time next season starts and is through the money portion of his contract. He's seen his point totals drop dramatically over the past two seasons and Philly needs cap relief desperately.

Ilya Bryzgalov - $5.67 million cap hit through 2019-2020 Season

Paul Holmgren is nuts and the Philly media has had the red carpet at the airport out for Bryz since he signed the contract. He's an okay goaltender, but that's an obelisk of a contract and no team in their right mind would trade for it.

Chris Pronger - $4.94 million cap hit through 2016-2017 Season

Pronger's career is likely done and since he has a 35+ contract his cap hit will remain if he retires. He has just over $12 million remaining on his $35 million contract, but he might take a "functional" retirement (i.e. no longer plays but doesn't officially retire) as his contract will simply be added to the cap through LTIR cushion, which would help the Flyers and their cap crunch.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Mattias Ohlund - $3.61 million cap hit through 2015-2016 Season

Ohlund was a good player for a long time, but the reality of the situation is that his knees won't let him play anymore - so he might just retire as a favour to the Lightning. Otherwise, he hasn't played a game in two seasons and has only $6.75 million left on his $25.25 million dollar deal. The Lightning have $17 million tied up in contracts for defensemen sans Ohlund next year and they could use the cap space a buyout would provide, as they only have $3.5 million left to sign 5 players. However, until he is no longer listed on LTIR they can't buy him out - an interesting situation for sure.

Brian Lee - $1.15 million cap hit through 2013-2014 Season

Lee finished the season with Tampa Bay's AHL affiliate this season and likely won't play significant minutes ever.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Mike Komisarek - $4.5 million cap hit through 2013-2014 Season

He's brutal and he played in the AHL this season and he's as slow as a sloth and 31 and Toronto has cash coming out of their ears. I can't think of a reason not to buy him out, let alone vice versa. This is your GEM MINT 10 SOLID GOLD LOCK buyout candidate.

Did I miss anyone? Let me know in the comments.

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Justin is a 23-year-old Flames fan who also happens to be pursuing a double major at the University of Calgary. He has played hockey at high levels, enjoys wearing shorts and tends to drink far too much Grasshopper. Please don't hate him.

Good article. It's interesting that the explanation is similar for a lot of buyout candidates.

Seeing the prevalence of long-term deals way past plausible playing age on these lists leads me to wonder whether there are any of these types of deals that work out for the entire term--as in both player and team get to the end of the contract and both can say "I'm glad I did that" with a straight face.

Nobody is suggesting a guy like Kovalchuk should be on the list now, I guess, but then no one was suggesting that about, say, Luongo or Pronger 2 years ago either. These types of deals seem destined to fail if only because there are too many stars that have to align for them to work out over such long periods of time.

I agree 100%. If Murray bought out VL for TBL to resign, the cost would have to be at the absolute very least the 3rd overall and the 33rd.

That said, if that ever happened I would give mad mad props to Feaster for having the balls to go to Edwards with the idea and Edwards for having the nads to dish out that kind of dough. If that ever happens, NOBODY should ever question those guys commitments to building a winner quickly and realize it certainly isn't all about money.

My understanding is that if you buy out a player you can't resign them.

I think they're pretty desperate. They only have just over 3 mil to sign multiple players let alone trying to improve and make the PO. I've been thinking of the Ohlund idea as well to move us up. I thought, though, that he was injured, LTIR, and therefore can't be bought out?

The other idea, obviously is the Vinny idea and that gets the 3rd OA + as well as us keeping the 6th. I doubt that happens.

The thing with Ohlund, because he's injured he cant be bought out, but he can be traded, it just means we cant buy him out. So his cap hat for the next 3 years is 3.6 mill. However the actual $$$ which may be an easier sell to Edwards is only $6.7mill over that 3 year period. If he is injured, no biggie, he rots on our LITR & hope as soon as he's healthy, buy him out. The next few years will not be taxing on our Cap space. If we give them our 6th overall for their 3rd overall & 2nd rounder + ohlund, that just might make sense to both teams. Tampa is still getting a pretty good friggin player at 6th overall.

I am intrigued with the Dipietro scenario & I would be just giddy to acquire Nino & the 15th overall. I do hope Edwards realizes the difference between using his wallet to get top young players to carry the torch as opposed to the slow suck for 3-4 years ala Oiler style.

I've heard it tentatively suggested that even quite good stars who are signed to big fat contracts that go past their prime years might be bought out this summer to avoid the potentially painful cap recapture rule:

http://www.capgeek.com/recapture-calculator/

Johan Franzen, Marian Hossa, Roberto Luongo are good targets. Hossa's cap penalty should he retire in a few years would be punitive (4.275M), for instance.

I think he ranks alongside guys like Harding, Dubnyk, Schneider, et al.
When Vokoun was signed I predicted that Fleury would be backup before the playoffs began, because I think that *today* Vokoun is the better goalie. Had there been a full 82 game season, I think this still would likely have been the case.

That being said, it has always been extremely hard to peg the market for goalies. Phoenix makes the playoffs and their goalies gets a lifetime contract from the Flyers. Chicago wins the cup, and their goalie clear waivers.

Justin, I generally agree with your basic premise:
"This summer, I think compliance buyouts will be more focused on guys who can't play anymore and guys who just suck. I believe we'll see the "skill" guys bought out next year, when a decision absolutely has to be made one way or another. Guys like Lecavalier, Richards and Bourque will likely be given this season to prove one way or another if they're worth their contracts. "

There are some teams however where basic math may force a hand. Tampa for instance has 17 players signed for $61 Million dollars, leaving $3.3 M for another 4 - 6 players. Couple this fact with 8 of 17 players on NMC and NTC's. Hoping or allowing Ohlund to retire is not going be enough. I know the Bolts are loyal to Lecavellier, but they need to look at his contract closely.

I've been an advocate of using all of the Flames organizational strengths in order to speed the rebuilding process up. To be blunt Murray Edward's wallet is a big strength, coupled with the fact this team is very profitable.

To my way of thinking it would be more prudent to put dollars toward ensuring the Flames could draft the next francise "elite" player. While, I believe the odds of a Flames Lecavelier trade and then Buyout to be very low, I hope it's an option the Flames braintrust explores.

My view is that I would rather spend $2 million/year extra to get Nathan McKinnon, than hand a pending UFA a $2M overpayment for an ugly long term contract. Frankly, the 2nd overall is not likely enough of a payment for $20M cost, so Tampa may need to sweeten the pot.

I've been an advocate of using all of the Flames organizational strengths in order to speed the rebuilding process up. To be blunt Murray Edward's wallet is a big strength, coupled with the fact this team is very profitable.

To my way of thinking it would be more prudent to put dollars toward ensuring the Flames could draft the next francise "elite" player. While, I believe the odds of a Flames Lecavelier trade and then Buyout to be very low, I hope it's an option the Flames braintrust explores.

My view is that I would rather spend $2 million/year extra to get Nathan McKinnon, than hand a pending UFA a $2M overpayment for an ugly long term contract. Frankly, the 2nd overall is not likely enough of a payment for $20M cost, so Tampa may need to sweeten the pot.

Agree! We can only hope Edwards feels the urgency now that he no longer has any Franchise players to hang the label on going forward. Seeing Ohlund is a delicate scenario, maybe we can extort Tampa for Ohlund & their 3rd for our 6th overall. Not that bad of a drop in draft position to free up 3.5 mill in cap space.

Kind of off topic but speaking of contracts and worth what does everyone think the value of a Stephen Weiss is on the open market?? He has had injury troubles and put up easy numbers for years in Florida, but always seemed like the one guy on Florida who might be underrated for me... Not that I want the Flames to sign him I want Tyler Bozak.. Dreaming of course, Haha. But could pay dividends if he comes back healthy and a team gets him cheap.

I agree that "Murray Edward's wallet is a big strength, coupled with the fact this team is very profitable" but its also been an anchor for us in the past, wasting picks and money to get the Olli Jokinens of the world. They never seem to grab the younger worthwhile free agents, passing on guys like Pierre-Alexandr Parenteau. Also don't think eating salary is going to help us move up in the draft. Everyone seems to think the Top. Four prospects are waayyy above the next few (I don't necessarily follow the same frame of thought and maybe teams out there think a Lindholm, Nurse or Monahan are closer than some expect once they end up NHLers) but its doubtful we can move up jast eating salary for the Florida or Colorado picks. Maybe we could move up to Nashville's pick if they are not high on a Barkov but they have no contracts to eat because they have a very capable GM

I may be crazy, but the Vinny thing sounds like a good deal (provided Edwards is willing to pony up the $$).

Vinny, the 3rd overall and their 2nd or 3rd round pick for the Pitts pick (28-30) and say, Sarich (do him a favor in the process - send him back to his old stomping grounds). We do one of two things. Either;

a) buy Vinny out and he re-signs at a lower cap hit,TB keeps a first in this draft.
or
b) we use Vinny for a year to do the "heavy lifting" to shelter the kids. then buy him out (saves Edwards money).

Either way, the Flames draft 3, 6, and 22. The possibility of getting one of the big three AND one of Barkov, Lindholm or Monahan is intriguing to say the least.

"Either way, the Flames draft 3, 6, and 22. The possibility of getting one of the big three and one of Barkov, Lindholm or Monahan is intriguing to say the least."

It is very appealing to me, but am very doubtful that we can even get the 3rd from them, let alone still keeping the 6th.... Tampa is fairly sound at forward so maybe they pass on the third pick and move down to get Nurse or Rasmus Ristolainen at sixth but I don't think we are getting third without the sixth. Tampa is not that desperate.

I've been an advocate of using all of the Flames organizational strengths in order to speed the rebuilding process up. To be blunt Murray Edward's wallet is a big strength, coupled with the fact this team is very profitable.

To my way of thinking it would be more prudent to put dollars toward ensuring the Flames could draft the next francise "elite" player. While, I believe the odds of a Flames Lecavelier trade and then Buyout to be very low, I hope it's an option the Flames braintrust explores.

My view is that I would rather spend $2 million/year extra to get Nathan McKinnon, than hand a pending UFA a $2M overpayment for an ugly long term contract. Frankly, the 2nd overall is not likely enough of a payment for $20M cost, so Tampa may need to sweeten the pot.

I agree 100%. If Murray bought out VL for TBL to resign, the cost would have to be at the absolute very least the 3rd overall and the 33rd.

That said, if that ever happened I would give mad mad props to Feaster for having the balls to go to Edwards with the idea and Edwards for having the nads to dish out that kind of dough. If that ever happens, NOBODY should ever question those guys commitments to building a winner quickly and realize it certainly isn't all about money.

Agree! We can only hope Edwards feels the urgency now that he no longer has any Franchise players to hang the label on going forward. Seeing Ohlund is a delicate scenario, maybe we can extort Tampa for Ohlund & their 3rd for our 6th overall. Not that bad of a drop in draft position to free up 3.5 mill in cap space.

And if the rumors are true that they want Nichushkin, he could be there at 6.

"Either way, the Flames draft 3, 6, and 22. The possibility of getting one of the big three and one of Barkov, Lindholm or Monahan is intriguing to say the least."

It is very appealing to me, but am very doubtful that we can even get the 3rd from them, let alone still keeping the 6th.... Tampa is fairly sound at forward so maybe they pass on the third pick and move down to get Nurse or Rasmus Ristolainen at sixth but I don't think we are getting third without the sixth. Tampa is not that desperate.

I think they're pretty desperate. They only have just over 3 mil to sign multiple players let alone trying to improve and make the PO. I've been thinking of the Ohlund idea as well to move us up. I thought, though, that he was injured, LTIR, and therefore can't be bought out?

The other idea, obviously is the Vinny idea and that gets the 3rd OA + as well as us keeping the 6th. I doubt that happens.

CBC Friedman #27. Here's what the New York Islanders are doing with Rick DiPietro. They are letting teams know that if they are interested in taking the goalie's contract off their hands, they will try to make it worthwhile. They'll consider taking a bad contract in return, maybe even a draft pick (or picks) or prospects. Still, it won't be easy. "That will have to be one heck of an asset," said another GM. A buyout now would have DiPietro on your books until 2029.

It seems to me the Flames would be better taking Dipietro from the Islanders and buy him out. Less than VL's payout, about 2.25 mil/year (I think).

Flames give them the Pittsbugh pick this year. They give Flames Dipietro, Niedereitter, their 15th pick overall this year, and their 2nd round pick 2014. Gives us a much better pick this year, a possible top six forward already two years into development (and Sven's fellow countryman and Portland teammate), and three top 60 picks next year. Draft next year is projected to better than this year.

Two things have to happen: Islanders really want to get rid of this contract, and Flames ownership belly up to the bar for the cash over 16 years. About one games revenue per year.

I have Dipietro's at 1.5 mil/year until 2029 (assuming we buy him out this summer).

And, Lecavalier's being 2.5 mil/year until 2026 (assuming we buy him out in summer 2014).

- I doubt we could get THAT much from the Isles. Probably more likely Niedereitter and 2014 2nd rounder.

If it was between the two (which it's not - I doubt either happens) I would take a T Bay offer that includes the #3 this year (only because it's a known, or at least partially known, quantity).

That said I would be happy with either.

Kent, are you aware if there's any rule (or anything) that would dictate a lop-sided trade (like the Isles one mentioned by Gordo) could/would be veto'd by the league? Or is it pretty much anything goes?

Dipietro's buy out would be about $21M. That's a huge chunk of change to eat in one go.

It's not my money, so I'm naturally all for something like this, but I find it hard to believe even Murray Edwards could willingly set fire to a pile of money that big.

I guess Kent, one way Feasty could sell it to Edwards is that over the past several years. Flames were just as guilty of backending contracts to lower the Cap hits for franchise players like Kipper & to a horrible decision Matty "franchise" Stajan. They are really the same as these buyouts & be darn sure what you are buying.So in the NYI scenario, yeah $21mill is risky because Nino or the 15th overall are not guaranteed to lead this franchise. I would insist they eat the Tanguay contract & maybe Sarich's contract back so that net offset is down to around 10mill. The Tampa scenario & 3rd overall pretty well assures you a future franchise player. Still a lot of $$$ to lite a match to, I agree. These compliance buyouts are basically the last mulligans for wealthy owners to do this & in Calgary's scenario, a chance to use $$$ to acquire a future franchise player. His hockey franchise is worth $250Mill & the only way it goes up in value is if he acquires young elite talent & gets this City really playoff excited about hockey again. Money is the universal language & it talks & it will buy him something no one is going to just give him. but hey Kurt is probably right, this is Superman type of pie in the sky type of stuff. I do think the Ohlund, flipping 3rd for 6th scenario is a lot more realistic from a $$$ point of view & minimal $$$ outlayed by Edwards & more just wasted cap space. We have been pretty good at that these last # of years.

"I do think the Ohlund, flipping 3rd for 6th scenario is a lot more realistic from a $$$ point of view & minimal $$$ outlayed by Edwards & more just wasted cap space. We have been pretty good at that these last # of years."

I believe Ohlund is looking at retirement this off-season. He's been injured/bad for two years running and is clearly breaking down.

Kent mentioned the recapture rule and I believe in the case of Ohlund it would be the fly in the ointment of an otherwise really good team building strategy.

Simply put, if Tampa were to do the deal with Ohlund, and the Flames were not able to buy him out this off season (because he is on LTIR) then the possibility exists that Ohlund would come off LTIR during the season and just retire rather than risk more injury, uproot his family again, etc. If this happens, then the Bolts would end up eating a bunch more cap space (about 3.5 million)they can't afford due to the recapture rule.

If I am Yzerman, I want to be able to prevent that from happening, and the best way to avoid it is to keep Ohlund where I have the most control over him. Therefore, as much as he is hurting my cap situation I would not trade him because that could possibly make the situation worse.

I highly doubt Salvador will get bought out, he's the captain in NJ, and a steady defensive D-man. He's also on a 35+ contract. NJ need to resign Elias, Zidlicky, Clarkson, and a ton of RFAs, I don't think the Devils need to buy anyone out.

Rene Bourque in Montreal may be a candidate, he's making almost 3.5 million, and is being eclipsed by Gallagher & Galchenyuk as top tier options.

Paul Martin in Pittsburgh is an outside shot, he's not worth $5 million a year, but the Pens have a number of expensive UFAs on the way out, so cap issues don't plague them too much.

Ryan Malone in Tampa maybe, if they need to get under the new cap.

Jeff Schultz in Washington wants a trade, if that can't be accomplished, maybe a buyout could happen.

I'm still stunned that Regier signed Leino to that ridiculous contract based on one year in Philly. When the Red Wings trade a player for a low draft pick and a bag of pucks, that's not a ringing endorsement for a player's potential, regardless of statistical-outlier seasons.

Because as a Red Wings fan, I am painfully aware of the Wings' tendency for unhealthy attachments to players beyond their point of usefulness if there's even a hint of redemption (witness: Johan Franzen). For Leino to have been jettisoned for nothing says more about Leino having exhausted even the Wings' patience than it does for his mythical potential

I mean, do teams have to pay a penalty, forfeit draft picks or do they just have bury guys in the minors and play replacements?

The team is fined, amount depending on how far off the team is from the salary. It isn't like in a video game, where it's not physically possible. Teams can go above the cap, but it's extremely costly, not nearly worthwhile. This is known as the New York Yankees method.

Quick is one of the best goalies on the planet, if not *the* best. He's really their only hope of beating Chicago. LA needs a reasonably priced backup who can step in for a couple of games and hold the fort if Quick has a minor injury in the playoffs.

Fleury has lost his playoff moxie, based on this and last year's playoffs. If he had to step in for Quick in LA, they'd end up calling him The Wicked Witch of the West for his epic meltdowns. Plus, he has a $5M cap hit, which would cripple a team looking to win championships in the next few years.

Bernier won't be happy unless he has a legitimate chance to start in the next year or two. If Lombardi wants to trade to the Eastern Conference, I'd suggest Bernier to Tampa for Ben Bishop and a top prospect. Or, maybe Bernier to the Devils for Adam Henrique and the rights to UFA David Clarkson.

@Baal - The quote you provide was regarding Ohlund. Two LTIR players had already been mentioned without such a reference.

@Justin
It is well known that neither Savard nor Pronger will ever be returning to the ice. Heck, Pronger practically announced his retirement already! Including them is pure laziness since there is no chance of either actually happening. Wouldn't it have made more sense to either completely ignore or just reference the situations and then moved onto an actually valid option?